Neck & Shoulder Orthoses

Orthoses for the neck and shoulder can provide support and stability for a range of conditions. They aim to maintain or correct alignment of the affected joints whilst reducing pain.

What are the indications for use of a neck and shoulder orthoses?

There are many indications for using neck and shoulder orthoses. These include:

Neck pain

Neck instability

Shoulder instability

Shoulder dislocation

Shoulder pain

If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a neck and shoulder orthoses please contact us to discuss.

What conditions are neck and shoulder orthoses often used for?

Neck and shoulder orthoses are used for a variety of conditions including:

Neurological shoulder pain

Cerebral palsy

Stroke

Multiple sclerosis

Cervical spondylitis

Arthritis (Rheumatoid or Osteo)

Motor neurone disease

Hypermobility

Congenital Torticollis

This list of conditions is not exhaustive. If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a shoulder or neck orthoses please contact us to discuss.

What are the benefits of neck and shoulder orthoses?

There are many benefits that come from using shoulder and neck orthoses. These include:

Improved postural stability

Reduced pain

Increased joint stability

Neck orthoses can be adjusted to reduce movements in specific directions dependant on the user's requirements.

There are many benefits using a shoulder or neck orthoses to find out more please contact us to discuss.

What is the process to be receive a shoulder or neck orthoses?

The process to receive a shoulder or neck orthoses would be:

Assessment

Measuring / Cast / Scan

Fitting

Review

During the assessment you will have a discussion regarding your needs and requirements with the orthotist. The orthotist will then establish which orthotic device will be most suitable for you. Neck and shoulder orthotics can be either bespoke or ‘off the shelf’ depending on the level of support required. The orthotist will then take series of specific measurements and possibly a cast or scan to ensure a comfortable and supportive fit.

Neck orthoses or braces are used to control and stabilise movement at the neck. Custom neck braces can be made in a variety of styles including rigid full motion restricting or more flexible to allow for some movement.

What are the indications for use of a neck orthoses?

There are many indications for using a neck orthoses. These include:

Neck pain

Neck instability

Poor head control

If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a neck orthoses please contact us to discuss.

What conditions are neck orthoses often used for?

Neck orthoses can be used for a variety of conditions including:

Stroke

Multiple sclerosis

Cervical spondylitis

Arthritis (Rheumatoid or Osteo)

Motor neurone disease

Hypermobility

Congenital Torticollis

This list of conditions is not exhaustive. If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a neck orthoses please contact us to discuss.

What are the benefits of a neck orthoses?

There are many benefits that come from using a neck orthoses. These include:

Increased support

Increased stability

Restriction of movement

Reduced pain

Take the weight of the head

There are many benefits using a neck orthoses to find out more please contact us to discuss.

What types of neck orthoses is available?

Types of neck orthoses that may be used include:

Soft

Rigid

Semi rigid

Adjustable

Dynamic

Custom

Soft

Soft neck braces or collars are used where mild control is required. They are made from a soft and forgiving foam. Soft collars are used to support the neck muscles by helping to hold the weight of the head.

Rigid

Rigid neck braces are used for immobilisation of the neck. There are many different types however all aim to provide support to the neck and prevent any unwanted movement. They are made rigid through the use of a hard plastic outer contoured specifically to prevent movement of the neck joints. Although rigid these collar have padded fitted to allow comfort.

Semi rigid

Semi rigid neck braces are used for moderate control, where by a user may require immobilisation and/or support over a prolonged period. Semi rigid braces have a soft memory foam core with a hard plastic plate providing the additional support. The combination of materials makes eating and drinking easier.

Adjustable

Adjustable neck braces are rigid braces which can be adjusted and adapted dependant on your needs. This may be the addition of pads to adjust alignment as well as comfort or adjustment of the angle the head is held at.

Dynamic

Dynamic neck braces are most commonly used for treating head drop. They work by using straps and springs to help assist weak muscles of the neck These braces also help to maintain good alignment of the neck and head.

Custom

Conditions affecting the spine can affect individuals very differently which can mean off the shelf neck braces are not suitable. At Orthotics UK we are able to make you a bespoke neck brace which will provide you with the specific support you require.

What is the process to be receive a neck orthoses ?

The process to receive a neck orthoses would be:

Assessment

Measuring/ Cast / Scan

Fitting

Review

In the assessment for a neck orthoses our orthotist will discuss with you your condition and your requirements for an orthoses. They will also discuss what you want to be able to achieve through wearing an orthoses. Using this information they will be able to provide you with a range of suitable options. If a custom neck orthoses is recommended they will need to take a series of measurements accompanied by either a scan or cast of your neck. This is then used to create your bespoke device. Your custom neck orthoses can have bespoke rigidity and stability through the use of different materials.

Shoulder subluxation occurs due to shoulder instability most commonly in the anterior aspect of the shoulder. A subluxation is a partial dislocation which can be associated with pain, however for those who frequently experience subluxations it can be more limiting due to lack of confidence in the joint’s stability. For that reason a shoulder subluxation orthoses can be used, these devices help to support the shoulder joint whilst enabling the joint to move freely and for activity to take place.

What are the indications for use of a shoulder subluxation orthoses?

Whilst shoulder subluxation orthoses are primarily designed to support users who experience frequent subluxations they can also be used by those with the following indications:

Shoulder instability

Shoulder dislocation

Shoulder pain

If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a shoulder subluxation orthoses please contact us to discuss.

What conditions are shoulder subluxation orthoses often used for?

Reasons for providing shoulder subluxation orthoses include:

Neurological shoulder pain

Cerebral palsy

Stroke

Multiple sclerosis

This list of conditions is not exhaustive. If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a shoulder subluxation orthoses please contact us to discuss.

What are the benefits of shoulder subluxation orthoses?

There are many benefits that come from using a shoulder subluxation orthoses. These include:

Increased stability of the shoulder joint

Reduced pain

Positions shoulder and arm in correct alignment

Enables wearer to utilise arm during rehabilitation

There are many benefits using an shoulder subluxation orthoses to find out more please contact us to discuss.

What types of shoulder subluxation orthoses are available?

Types of shoulder subluxation orthoses that may be used include:

Omo Neurexa Shoulder Orthosis

Beagle Sub Lux Support

Omo Neurexa Shoulder Orthosis

The Omo Neurexa has been designed to provide shoulder stabilisation to those who suffer from subluxation of the shoulder joint. The orthosis alleviates pain by correcting the alignment of the humerus head with the shoulder joint socket.

Beagle Sub Lux Support

The Beagle Sub Lux Support is designed for unilateral subluxation support. The minimal design enables users to wear the device comfortably beneath clothing. The Sub Lux support uses dynamic strapping in order to maintain and correct alignment of the arm enabling the user to wear the device comfortably whilst undertaking rehabilitation.

What is the process to be receive a shoulder subluxation orthoses?

The process to receive a shoulder subluxation orthoses would be:

Assessment

Measuring

Fitting

Review

To ensure your shoulder receives the required support your orthotist will undertake an assessment of your shoulder including assessing your range of movement. Your orthotist will also need to take a series of measurements to select the correctly sized device. Due to the adjustable nature of shoulder subluxation orthoses your orthotist will not need to take any cast of your arm or shoulder. Once the optimal device has been selected your orthotist will adjust and adapt the device to accommodate your specific needs.